The holidays have arrived! December is the perfect month for getting a much needed rest, for reconnecting with your family and friends, and also for tasting delicious foods, especially if they’re sweet. However, we all know that an excess of pastries can definitely take a toll on our bodies and our general health.

If you’re looking for some healthy desserts to try for the Holidays, then these ideas are for you! Here are some of the best alternatives to help you enjoy the month without sacrificing neither flavor nor your health!

Healthy dessert to try for the Holidays #5: Baked Pears

This wonderful dessert mixes two of the healthiest food groups: fruits and nuts. If you’re looking for something healthy and extra tasty, this is a great choice. All you’ll need is pears, some cinnamon and sugar, dried fruits, and low-fat granola.

It takes only about five minutes to make, so it’s perfect for a last-minute dessert; and it’s also a low-fat, low-cholesterol recipe which everyone will like!

Healthy dessert to try for the Holidays #4: Cranberry Coconut Trifle

If you wish to incorporate fruits and flavor to your meal, then a great alternative is a cranberry and coconut trifle. However, try to replace some of the items for a healthier version of this dessert, like low-fat milk, agave nectar and whole-wheat flour.

This dessert is low in sugar and high in antioxidants, given the amazing properties of the cranberries, so it’s a healthy and festive-looking alternative you can incorporate to your holidays.

Healthy dessert to try for the Holidays #3: Pumpkin Cheesecake

A great way of adding a touch of fall flavors to your table is through a typical pumpkin pie, yet cakes usually have a large amount of calories and almost no nutritional value. To change that during the Holidays, use nonfat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for the cream, and walnuts and gingersnaps to complement the flavor.

A serving of this healthy dessert will provide you Vitamin A, fiber and protein, without having to make a sacrifice!

Healthy dessert to try for the Holidays #2: Pumpkin Gingerbread

Simple to make, and perfect for any time of the day, this dessert combines the traditional gingerbread with a hint of exotic flavor through a touch of pumpkin which will add a lot of nutritional values to this typical holiday food. All you need to do is adding 1/3 of a cup full of pumpkin to your mix, and that’s it!

This healthy dessert is perfect for complementing a light holiday meal, or as a mid-afternoon snack.

Healthy dessert to try for the Holidays #1: Light cookies

Cookies are everyone’s favorite Christmas dish, and even Santa likes them! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative on normal cookies, then try replacing or cutting back on some of the ingredients. Use whole-wheat flour combined with oats, agave nectar, and reduce the butter. With just these simple changes you’ll cut calories and make a healthier dessert with fiber.

Decorate your cookies with a glaze made with lemon, or add a few chocolate chips for some extra flavor. You’ll love them!